UC3MUN ‘16

Study guide of the topics

[TOPIC A]

[TOPIC B]

of the [full committee name]

IMF INTERNATIONAL

MONETARY FUND

UC3MUN 2017

TOPIC A: IMF CONDITIONALITY ON LOANS AND ITS ROLE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC

AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM

TOPIC B: SESSION: ON THE GRANTING OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AID TO EGYPT

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This Study Guide on the topics:

IMF Conditionality on loans and its role in the global economic and financial system

&

Session: On the granting of economic and financial aid to Egypt

Has been drafted by:

Héctor Guarro

Rustam Baratov

Chairs

International Monetary Fund

UC3MUN 2017

© ASOCIACIÓN PARA LAS NACIONES UNIDAS Y EL DERECHO INTERNACIONAL

anudi.madrid@gmail.com

C/ Madrid 126, 28903 Getafe

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

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INDEX

I. Welcome Letter ....................................................................................................... 4

II. Purpose, Functions and Structure of the IMF Executive Directors Board ............ 5

III. TOPIC A: IMF conditionality on loans and its role in the global and economic

financial system. .......................................................................................................... 8

A. Background ................................................................................................................. 8

B. IMF Conditionality ....................................................................................................... 8

C. How compliance with the IMF conditions is assessed? ................................................. 9

D. Criticism to IMF conditionality ................................................................................... 10

E. Further Reading ......................................................................................................... 11

IV. TOPIC B: Session: On the granting of economic and financial aid to Egypts 13

A. Background/History .................................................................................................. 13

B. Situation .................................................................................................................... 14

V. Additional Information and Reminders ............................................................... 17

VI. Position Paper ....................................................................................................... 18

ANNEX 1. SAMPLE POSITION PAPER ......................................................................... 19

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I. WELCOME LETTER

Dear Delegates;

It is a pleasure for us to welcome you to this year’s Universidad Carlos III Model United

Nations and specifically to our committee, the International Monetary Fund. In the

following pages you will find the Study Guide for the two topics you shall be discussing

during the duration of this year’s edition of UC3MUN.

In modern times, the world faces uncertainty and multiple economic crisis scenarios

that arise from the numerous sources on a daily basis. It can be argued that many of

these events happen right under the noses of those with not only the power, but also

the responsibility to solve them. We want to welcome you to this committee which we

hope will serve as a gateway to understanding the economic challenges of

globalization and the integration of World financial markets, as well as the role of

international institutions such as the IMF in solving monetary and economic problems.

Prepare for a week of learning, self-development and incredible experiences. Due to

the specific technical nature of both the committee and the topics present, we highly

encourage you to thoroughly read and comprehend this study guide, as well as to

make your own investigation on the subjects you will be debating during the MUN week.

We hope that all the doubts you could have regarding the issues at hand will be

answered by this document, and we hope to see you in a few weeks.

Best Regards,

Héctor and Rustam

Chair and Co-Chair of the IMF Committee

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II. PURPOSE, FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURE OF THE IMF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS BOARD

The International Monetary Fund, also known as the Fund, was conceived at a UN

conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States, in July 1944. The 44

countries at that conference sought to build a framework for economic cooperation to

avoid a repetition of the competitive devaluations that had contributed to the Great

Depression of the 1930s.

The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the

stability of the international monetary

system—the system of exchange rates and

international payments that enables

countries (and their citizens) to transact

with each other. The Fund's mandate was

updated in 2012 to include all

macroeconomic and financial sector issues

that bear on global stability.

Important side note: we highly recommend you watch the following videos on the

history and theoretical framework behind paper money in order to fully wrap your head

around the importance of the IMF mission.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhyKYa0YJ_5CL-krstYn532QY1Ayo27s1

Generally speaking, one can divide the functions carried out by the IMF into a three

groups: surveillance, lending and technical assistance.

Surveillance implies that the Fund oversees the international monetary system and

monitors the economic and financial policies of its 189 member countries. As part of this

process, which takes place both at the global level and in individual countries, the IMF

highlights possible risks to stability and advises on needed policy adjustments. In this way,

it helps the international monetary system serve its essential purpose of sustaining

economic growth by facilitating the exchange of goods, services, and capital among

countries, and ensuring the conditions necessary for financial and economic stability.

Surveillance is essential to identify risks that policies may need to address to sustain

growth. Moreover, in today's globalized economy, where the policies of one country

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typically affect many other countries, international cooperation is essential. There are

two main aspects to the IMF’s surveillance work: bilateral surveillance, or the appraisal

of and advice on the policies of each member country; and multilateral surveillance,

or oversight of the world economy.

A core responsibility of the IMF is to provide loans to member countries experiencing

actual or potential balance of payments problems. This financial assistance helps

countries in their efforts to rebuild their international reserves, stabilize their currencies,

continue paying for imports, and restore conditions for strong economic growth, while

undertaking policies to correct underlying problems. Unlike development banks, the IMF

does not lend for specific projects. A member country may request IMF financial

assistance if it has an actual or potential balance of payments need—that is, if it lacks

or potentially lacks sufficient financing on affordable terms to meet its net international

payments (e.g., imports, external debt redemptions) while maintaining adequate

reserve buffers going forward. IMF resources provide a cushion that eases the

adjustment policies and reforms that a country must make to correct its balance of

payments problem and help restore conditions for strong economic growth.

The volume of loans provided by the IMF has fluctuated significantly over time. The oil

shock of the 1970s and the debt crisis of the 1980s were both followed by sharp increases

in IMF lending. In the 1990s, the transition process in Central and Eastern Europe and the

crises in emerging market economies led to further surges of demand for IMF resources.

Deep crises in Latin America and Turkey kept demand for IMF resources high in the early

2000s. IMF lending rose again since late 2008 in the wake of the global financial crisis.

On the other hand, IMF technical assistance and training helps member countries

design and implement economic policies that foster stability and growth by

strengthening their institutional capacity and skills. The IMF seeks to build on synergies

between technical assistance and training to maximize their effectiveness. Technical

assistance and training helps countries develop more effective institutions, legal

frameworks, and policies to promote economic stability and inclusive growth. Training

through practical policy-oriented courses, hands-on workshops, and seminars

strengthens officials’ capacity to analyse economic developments and formulate and

implement effective policies.

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€

€

The Executive Board of the IMF is responsible for conducting the day-to-day business of

the IMF. It is composed of 24 Directors, who are appointed or elected by member

countries or by groups of countries, and the Managing Director, who serves as its

Chairman. The Board usually meets several times each week. It carries out its work

largely on the basis of papers prepared by IMF management and staff.

Unlike the General Assembly of the United Nations, where each country has one vote,

decision making at the IMF was designed to reflect the relative positions of its member

countries in the global economy. Therefore, voting power at the IMF is related with every

member’s quota.

Important information regarding Quotas and Voting Power:

- Quotas at the IMF:

o http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/quotas.htm

- IMF Members' Quotas and Voting Power:

o http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/memdir/members.aspx

The Board normally makes decisions based on consensus, but sometimes formal votes

are taken. The votes of each member equal the sum of its basic votes (equally

distributed among all members) and quota-based votes. Therefore, a member’s quota

determines its voting power. Following most formal meetings, the Board summarizes its

views in a document known as a Summing Up. Informal meetings may also be held to

discuss complex policy issues at a preliminary stage.

Finally, it is absolutely essential that you control the structure of the IMF Executive

Directors Board. As you know, due to the special structure of this committee, you will not

represent a country, but a Director who cast the votes for one or several Member States.

- IMF Executive Directors and Voting Power:

o https://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/memdir/eds.aspx

*Clarification: As you can see in the table provided in the link above, Anthony De Lannoy and Richard

Doornbosch cast the votes for 15 countries, with a total number of votes of 273,043. However, Masaaki

Kaizuka and Tetsuya Hiroshima represent only Japan, which by its quota and contribution to IMF Funds have

a total of 309,669 votes. Therefore, you must bear in mind such table when trying to negotiate with other

members of the Board at UC3MUN.

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III. TOPIC A: IMF CONDITIONALITY ON LOANS AND ITS ROLE IN THE GLOBAL AND

ECONOMIC FINANCIAL SYSTEM.

A. Background

When tackling the role and tools the IMF has at its disposal for dealing with the

economic and financial mismanagements of a member country; conditionality often is

the least known factor when dealing with IMF financial intervention. When we say “least

known factor” we are referring to the fact that the general public wouldn’t associate

the term with an IMF loan and, more specifically, with the consequences of accepting

said loan. Indeed, people tend to be divided into two general camps: either of

believing the IMF financial aid is provided only out of the good intentions of the

international community (no such thing) or either of knowing that some clauses are

attached to a sudden influx of financial stability but not connecting it with the IMF,

believing the intervention of the body to be limited to expertise advise on how to

comply with the demands which, in turn, are demanded by a phantom body of

overlords (Troika, markets, the Rothschild, etc.). We hope that, by the end of this section,

you are able to comprehend the concept as well as the main points against it.

B. IMF Conditionality

Conditionality in its broad sense covers both the design of IMF-supported programs—

that is, the macroeconomic and structural policies—and the specific tools used to

monitor progress toward the goals outlined by the country in cooperation with the IMF.

Conditionality helps countries solve balance of payments problems without resorting to

measures that are harmful to national or international prosperity. At the same time, the

measures are meant to safeguard IMF resources by ensuring that the country’s balance

of payments will be strong enough to permit it to repay the loan. All conditionality under

an IMF-supported program must be “macro-critical”—that is, either critical to the

achievement of macroeconomic program goals or necessary for the implementation

of specific provisions under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement. Or, to put it in less posh and

circular terms, conditionality entails the specific steps strongly encouraged by the IMF

in order to consider the delivery of a successful financial aid program.

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The member country has primary responsibility for selecting, designing, and

implementing the policies that will make the IMF-supported program successful. The

program is described in a letter of intent (which often has a memorandum of economic

and financial policies attached to it). The program’s objectives and policies depend on

country circumstances. But the overarching goal is always to restore or maintain

balance of payments viability and macroeconomic stability while setting the stage for

sustained, high-quality growth and, in low-income countries, for reducing poverty.

C. How compliance with the IMF conditions is assessed?

Most IMF financing features disbursements made in instalments that are linked to

demonstrable policy actions. This aims to ensure progress in program implementation

and to reduce risks to the IMF's resources. Program reviews provide a framework for the

IMF’s Executive Board to assess periodically whether the IMF-supported program is on

track and whether modifications are necessary for achieving the program’s objectives.

Reviews combine a backward-looking assessment (were the program conditions met

according to the agreed timetable?) with a forward-looking perspective (does the

program need to be modified in light of new developments?). Disbursements under an

IMF-supported program can take place only upon its approval, or completion of

reviews, by the IMF's Executive Board.

Program approval or reviews are based on various policy commitments agreed with

the country authorities. These can take different forms:

• Prior actions are measures that a country agrees to take before the IMF’s

Executive Board approves financing or completes a review. They ensure that the

program has the necessary foundation to succeed, or is put back on track

following deviations from agreed policies. Examples include the elimination of

price controls or formal approval of a budget consistent with the program’s fiscal

framework.

• Quantitative performance criteria (QPCs) are specific and measurable

conditions that have to be met to complete a review. QPCs always relate to

macroeconomic variables under the control of the authorities, such as monetary

and credit aggregates, international reserves, fiscal balances, and external

borrowing. For example, a program might include a minimum level of net

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international reserves, a maximum level of central bank net domestic assets, or

a maximum level of government borrowing.

• Indicative targets may be established in addition to QPCs as quantitative

indicators to assess the member’s progress in meeting the objectives of a

program. Sometimes they are also set when QPCs cannot be, because of data

uncertainty about economic trends (e.g., for the later months of a program). As

uncertainty is reduced, these targets are normally turned into QPCs, with

appropriate modifications.

• Structural benchmarks are (often non-quantifiable) reform measures that are

critical to achieve program goals and are intended as markers to assess program

implementation during a review. They vary across programs: examples are

measures to improve financial sector operations, build up social safety nets, or

strengthen public financial management.

If a QPC is not met, the Executive Board may approve a formal waiver to enable a

review to be completed, if it is satisfied that the program will nonetheless be successfully

implemented, either because the deviation was minor or temporary, or because the

country authorities have taken or will take corrective actions. Structural benchmarks

and indicative targets do not require waivers if they are not met but are assessed in the

context of overall program performance. The IMF’s database for the Monitoring of Fund

Arrangements (MONA), which is publicly available, covers all aspects of program

conditionality.

D. Criticism to IMF conditionality

Having clarified and established a clear definition of the concept “conditionality”, it

should be said that it not a universal agreed tool for the IMF to use. Several sectors of

opinion and scholarly debate argue over its flaws, intentions and roots, in such a manner

that it would be folly and impossible for a humble study guide to even attempt to

reproduce in comprehensible terms. That is why, for the purposes of the debate of this

topic, we have chosen to focus mainly on 3 aspects of said criticism: the clout

international politics have in the organization, the undermining of national sovereignty

and the fact that it puts forward an economic consensus not shared unanimously.

Regarding the first criticism, it is not a specific flaw of the IMF as a body, but of the UN

as a whole. A product of its time, the IMF was created with the idea that the influence

one specific country could wield would be proportional to its contribution to IMF

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finances, in order both to create a monetary guarantee for said country’s proposals

and to establish a system in which the victorious allies of WW2 could reshape the

economic filed in order to avoid the disasters of 1929. Thus, more economically powerful

countries (eg. USA) have a higher number of votes and therefore wield the most

influence. It is said that this state of affairs exceedingly benefits developed countries

against less developed countries or, more importantly, that it provides the great nations

of the world with a way of violating the principle of non interference in an state internal

affairs.

This last point links up with the other main criticism of the conditionality of loans, that is,

the alleged promotion of an economic consensus of western economic liberalism that

is not necessarily shared by the country in question. It is said that the IMF is to fixated

with an economic liberal mind-set, advocating for "austerity programmes", cutting

public spending and lowering their corporate tax rate (for example), even when the

economy is weak, to bring budgets closer to a balance, thus reducing budget deficits,

which is not necessarily what the economy of said country needs or what the nationals

even desire. So, this criticism goes in 2 directions: either one is against the traditional

approach of the IMF because it considers that it is to general, macro-economically

biased and, to put it bluntly, simplistic to solve the economic problems of a specific

nation, or, one is against the application of liberal economic measures because it is

against them all together arguing that their appliance would be the equivalent of

demanding bell-tightening in a country where people can afford belts..

E. Further Reading

To find more about the issues we have seen you can take a look into:

- IMF on conditionality:

o https://www.imf.org/en/About/Factsheets/Sheets/2016/08/02/21/28/IMF-

Conditionality

- Buira, A., An Analysis of IMF Conditionality, G-24 Discussion Paper Series, UNCTAD:

o http://unctad.org/en/docs/gdsmdpbg2420033.pdf

- Bretton Woods Project, IMF Conditionality and its discontent:

o http://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2014/01/imf-conditionality-

discontents/

- Eurodad Report, World Bank and IMF conditionality: a development injustice:

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o http://www.eurodad.org/uploadedfiles/whats_new/reports/eurodad_w

orld_bank_and_imf_conditionality_report.pdf

- Spraos, J., IMF Conditionality: Ineffectual, Inefficient, Mistargeted, Essays in

International Finance, 1986

o https://www.princeton.edu/~ies/IES_Essays/E166.pdf

You should do an investigation of your Director position and legal framework. Please,

bear in mind that Internet is secure but try to contrast your information, we are dealing

with a very blur issue in terms of reliable data, as you have seen, and this guide is very

general so you will have to go deeper in your research following the political and

ideological position of your represented country. Please remember, your duty in the

committee is not only to find the best solutions to problems but to stay straight and

represent your Director values and perspectives; that is the major proof of diplomacy

you can show.

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IV. TOPIC B: SESSION: ON THE GRANTING OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AID TO

EGYPTS

A. Background/History

Since General Al-Sisi came into power in 2013 following the military takeover of the Mursi

administration, the economic situation of the country has been, to put it mildly, less than

ideal.

With a budget deficit and a current-accounts deficit of 12% and 7% respectively, the

state of the Egyptian finances was already looking bleak when President Al-Sisi took

over, but in the last 3 years things have gone from bad to worse. One, however, cannot

put all the blame in Al-Sisi’s government, far from it, the situation he encountered when

his administration began was already far from stable: almost 3 years of instability

following the 2011 revolution and the incredible mismanagement brought on by the

Mursi administration meant no easy ride for President Al-Sisi. The actions taken since 2013

by the Egyptian government have, nonetheless, made the situation much worse, to the

point that in November of last year Egypt requested financial aid to the IMF, which

answered in the form of a 12 Billion USD$ bailout and stability program.

The said plan, estimated to last for about 3 years, will focus primarily on tackling the

chronic budget deficits of the state, the issue of unemployment (both youth and

normal) and, specially,

the situation and

standing of the

Egyptian Pound and

the current inflation

stoking that it is suffering

(up to 23%, January

2017).

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Despite recent efforts1 undertaken by the Egyptian government to attempt and salvage

the situation are not to be disregarded, and certainly are a step in the right direction,

the situation is far from solved, and current and future developments, both in the

country and the region as a whole, could prove challenging for both the IMF and its

stability and financial assistance program.

It is your duty as Board of Directors of this institution to, throughout the March meeting

period, tackle this situation and draw up the general guiding lines for the IMF actions

while its mission on Egyptian soil is operational.

B. Situation

On November 3, 2016—the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced the measure to

float its currency in an unexpected attempt to draw foreign capital back to the country

and provide a solution to the previous experienced current-account deficit of $18.7

billion for the fiscal year 2015-16. Beforehand, the government experienced a decrease

in imports of sugar and increased food prices. The country is among highest nations—

importing on average one million tonnes of sugar annually. The New York Times (Oct.

20, 2016) also mentions other consequences, such as the declined tourism, increased

inflation reaches a seven-year high of 15.5% in August 2016, as well slashed Egypt’s

import-purchasing power.2 Since General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi came to power in 2014 as

the acting President of Egypt—several cuts in the budget and actions were made in

order to save the economic situation following the 2011 uprising in the country.

However, it is important to understand that the decision made to devalue the Egyptian

Pound was taken amid the requirements of the IMF in securing the loan.

On November 11, 2016—the IMF acted on the measures and extended Egypt a three-

year loan of $12 billion with the first initial payment of $2.75 billion immediately. The

Extended Fund Facility (EFF) supported programme plans to help Egypt restore

macroeconomic stability and promote inclusive growth (IMF, No. 16/501, Nov. 11, 2016).

1 Efforts like, for instance, a devaluation of the Egyptian Pound aimed at stopping the inflationary increase

of the Egyptian economy, or the mild liberalization reforms whose intention is to hand control of certain

industries to the private sector. 2 https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/21/world/middleeast/egypt-sugar-shortage.html?_r=0

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Following in the Press Release:

● To address economic

challenges, the Egyptian

authorities have developed a

program of policies and

structural reforms that is

supported by the Extended Fund

Facility (EFF)

● The approval of program, allows

for an immediate disbursement

of about US$ 2.75 billion.

● Policies supported by the program aim to boost growth and create jobs while

protecting vulnerable groups.

Special Drawing Rights SDR

The SDR is an international reserve asset, created by the IMF in 1969 to supplement its

member countries’ official reserves. As of March 2016, 204.1 billion SDRs (equivalent to

about $285 billion) had been created and allocated to members. SDRs can be

exchanged for freely usable currencies. The value of the SDR is based on a basket of

five major currencies—the U.S. dollar, euro, the Chinese renminbi (RMB), the Japanese

yen, and pound sterling—as of October 1, 2016. (IMF, Factsheet, Sep. 30, 2016)

The role of the SDR as a supplementary international reserve asset, in the context of the

Bretton Woods fixed exchange rate system, saw currencies linked to the dollar, and the

dollar linked to gold (The Economist, Jun. 30, 2014). For further reading on the topic and

the historic development of the IMF and World Bank—please, read the following article

online: http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/06/economist-

explains-20

Buying and selling SDRs

IMF members often need to buy SDRs to discharge obligations to the IMF, or they may

wish to sell SDRs in order to adjust the composition of their reserves. (IMF, Factsheet, Sep.

30, 2016)

Extended Fund Facility (EFF)

The EFF was established to provide assistance to countries: (i) experiencing serious

payments imbalances because of structural impediments; or (ii) characterized by slow

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growth and an inherently weak balance of payments position. The future assistance

under an extended arrangement features longer program engagement—to help

countries implement medium-term structural reforms—and provide a longer repayment

period (IMF, Factsheet, Sep. 27, 2016).

Program Summary3

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) liberalized the foreign exchange rate and adopted a

flexible exchange rate regime to improve Egypt’s external competitiveness, support

exports and tourism and attract foreign investment. Monetary policies will focus on

containing inflation and bringing it down to mid-single digits over the medium-term.

Fiscal policy will be anchored to setting public debt on a clearly declining path and

restoring debt sustainability. Egypt hopes to increase tax revenues by 2.5% of GDP over

the home-grown program, supported by the EFF arrangements. Social protection

programs will be strengthened to ease the adjustment process. Said about 1% of GDP

of the achieved fiscal savings will be directed to additional food subsidies, cash transfers

to the elderly and low-income families, and other programs. It also aims to emphasize

strengthening public financial management (PFM) and increase fiscal transparency.

Structural reforms and inclusive growth aims to address the long-standing challenges of

low growth and high unemployment in the country. Strategic measurements will help

better access to finance to SMEs, as well improved job intermediation schemes and

specialized training programs for youth.

3 https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2016/11/11/PR16501-Egypt-Executive-Board-Approves-12-billion-

Extended-Arrangement

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V. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REMINDERS

You should do comprehensive research about the current situation of the state you are

representing and chose a position that goes in line with it. It’s on your duty to prepare a

Position Paper that you will need to send to the Chair before the Conference starts.

Moreover, you should read in detail the Rules of Procedure, especially the articles

applying to the dress code of this Model United Nations:

Delegates attire must be at all moments appropriate to the relevance of the event and

the role represented. Therefore, compliance with the so-called Western Business Attire

is mandatory.

• Female: full suit or blazer, with blouse or dress or formal shoe. No jeans or sneakers

are acceptable. Cocktail dresses will neither be accepted.

• Male: full suit or blazer and formal trousers (no jeans accepted), shirt, tie or bow-tie,

and formal shoes. Again, neither sneakers nor cocktail clothes will be accepted.

Despite the above-mentioned provisions, delegates shall wear, at their discretion,

clothes, badges, accessories and typical dresses of the countries they represent, if they

are appropriate for the occasion according to the protocol of such countries.

Committee Sessions

“Delegates are expected to be in their respective committee rooms during committee

sessions. In order for Delegates to leave their committee rooms for an extended period

of time, both their Chair and their Head Delegate must be informed ahead of time.

Furthermore, all Delegates are expected to abide by committee dress code.”

For more information about the Conference Policies please take a look at:

http://uc3mun.anudi.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Conference-Policies.pdf

Workshops

At 10:30 on Tuesday, February 28 there will be three workshops on different topics: Rules

of Procedure, Public Speaking, Resolution writing. The chairs will held a specific session

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on Rules of Procedure for the International Monetary Fund so as to explain the main

points and to clarify doubts about debating and voting proceedings.

For more information on the conference schedule please visit regularly the following

page: http://uc3mun.anudi.org/en/schedule/. Bear in mind that this schedule is subject

to changes by the organization.

VI. POSITION PAPER

A Position Paper is a document in which is written the official position of the Director you

are representing regarding the topics you have to discuss. In this case, there are two

topics so you should prepare a Position Paper for each topic. The documents should

include your official position, how would you deal with the topic and which are the

possible solutions you might propose to the IMF Executive Director Board.

This document is useful to inform the rest of the delegates of your position. The objective

is to facilitate the preparation to all the delegates. This is essential in order to have fruitful

debates, understanding better the policies and, in addition, to make alliances.

It is important that you elaborate your Position Paper with clear and concise information

Therefore, a page for each topic will be enough.

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ANNEX 1. SAMPLE POSITION PAPER

Committee: UN General Assembly 4th Committee (SPECPOL)

Topic A: The question of UN’s list of non-self governing territories

Delegate: Alexandre Picón, Carlos III University of Madrid

“All peoples have the right to self determination; by virtue of that right they freely

determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and

cultural development” (RES 1514)

Since its creation, the so-called right to the “self-determination” has become a cardinal

principle of the modern international law and the basis of the decolonization process.

It states the legal right of people to decide their own destiny in the international order,

and so is established in the Charter of the United Nations and in the Declaration on the

Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples of 1960. That is the reason

why the United Nations have been reiterating its conviction of the need for the

eradication of colonialism, as well as racial discrimination and violations of basic human

rights.

Despite we can note the continued efforts made to the effective and complete

implementation of the Declaration, the official position defends that there is still a long

way to go. Between 1946 and 1960, 30 colonized territories, representing more than 100

million people, attained the goals set forth in Chapter XI of the UN Charter, gaining

many of them membership at the UN. Nevertheless, today there are still 17 non-self-

governing territories listed that didn’t obtain it’s “self-determination”

However, the State of Israel, respecting the principles enunciated in the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights, encouraging the absolute independence of the country

and furthering the Prophets’ vision of peace, which has inspired all peaceloving people

in the world and continue to guide Israeli foreign and domestic policies, maintain, in line

with its main allies, a different perspective of the question. As our representatives in the

United Nations have been showing for a long time, with continuous negatives and

abstentions to the main resolutions, this issue must be closed since most of the aspirations

of these territories have already been achieved by the fact that they got huge

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concessions from their governments. In fact, in most of them there isn’t even a majority

will that could support and strength their requirements.

The State of Israel recognizes the value that the principle of self-determination has had

throughout the 20th century, permitting the independence of former dominated

countries, even Israel, but we do believe that it is the time to advance and place the

debate where it has to be. Thus, if those regions haven’t got access to independence

yet, it is because they did not put enough effort in their cause and because they did

not believe that this was the way to progress. That’s why the State of Israel proposes to

abolish this list and keep in these territories the actual regime of administration that offers

to their people huge grades of autonomy and permits a faster development and

diffusion of knowledge among the society.

.

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UC3MUN 2017 | STUDY GUIDE

21

The delegation of the French Republic is confident that this upcoming summit will bear

abundant result that will leave all the parties involved satisfied and our world a slightly

better place.